[CHAPTER 2] [CHAPTER 3] [KRONDOR]

"I am glad to see you safe again in Krondor."

FOOD (if no Rations)

JAMES: We need to get a bit to eat. What does Kadzu have on the burn, or should I ask?

KATALA: Actually, the palace kitchens aren't open at the moment. Prince Arutha has been taking his meals privately and the rest of his staff have been told they can get makings from the kitchen if they need, but for the time being Kadzu has nothing to do. I could probably get a few packs of rations for you, assuming he has some made up.

JAMES: It's not necessary, really. With you and Pug vacationing here in Krondor, it should be the other way round.

KATALA: No, I insist. I'll only be a moment.

JAMES: She amazes me. I understand from Pug that she treats all the students at Stardock like they were her personal wards. You'd think with two children and the most powerful magician anywhere to tend to, she would have her hands full...

Owyn looked down at his shoes.

Glancing back up at James he remarked, "She seems like a nice lady." The seigneur was about to respond when they heard the faint sound of Katala's approaching footsteps. Cupping the back of his hand to his mouth, James whispered, "She is."

JAMES: Back again, Katala? That was quick.

KATALA: There were some already prepared, so I snatched them up for you. I made sure they were fresh first, of course.

JAMES: So, when do I get to meet this stunning daughter of yours? I've heard quite a bit about Gamina, but I've been too busy to make the time to meet her.

KATALA: I imagine you will see her as soon as I do. She's more than likely trailing Pug and Makala about the palace. Any opportunity to hear her father discuss magic and she's immediately at his side. Then too, it may be she's hiding away from Arutha's twins. She's not quite interested in boys yet.

JAMES: I know that quite few of the artificers in Stardock have begun exporting their goods from the Academy. Are there any good places to buy magical items near here?

KATALA: The most notable one that's close is a little place called Stardock Annex at the Abbey of Ishap at Sarth. Officially they have no ties with the Academy, but there's not much we can do to keep them from using the name. There's also a fellow by the name of Dabeh who buys from us, but he lives a long distance from here, out north of Romney if I recall.

MESSAGE

JAMES: Do you think you could deliver a message to Prince Arutha for me?

KATALA: I can certainly try. What is it?

JAMES: Just tell him that we haven't reached the Black Sheep Tavern in Romney as yet, but I will send word to him as soon as I can.

KATALA: I don't think that will be too much of a problem. I will see he gets it as soon as he returns.

MURDER

JAMES: If Prince Arutha isn't here, then he must have already begun...

KATALA: Begun what?

JAMES: Sorry, I was thinking aloud. If you would, do you think you could tell him something for me? It's fairly important that he hear it.

KATALA: What is the message?

JAMES: Tell him that the party in Romney was cancelled because our host took ill and now we're looking for his pet parakeet that flew away. As soon as we find the perch, we will meet him for tea at mother's.

KATALA: I'm not sure I understand...

JAMES: But the Prince will. I don't mean to be mysterious, but it's better that only we two know what is going on at the moment.

JAMES: Has anything happened in Krondor since I left, or has the whole town closed up of boredom waiting for me to return?

KATALA: Nothing unusual, really. The most exciting thing I've heard is that there appears to be an outbreak of Quegian fever in some of the ports, but they don't expect things will get too serious. The priests from the Temple of Sung have sent men down to the docks to deal with any cases that show up there and the palace guards have been advised to keep a lookout for anyone who seems to be suffering from delusions. They think it will be contained in the areas north of Krondor.